Abia State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Prof. Uzochukwu Chijioke has cautioned politicians and leadership of parties against destroying campaign billboards of other parties.
Chijioke, speaking at a forum of peace accord signing between political parties ahead of the general election, condemned attacks by politicians and supporters on their opponents.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) boss, who urged politicians and parties to engage in issue-based campaigns, advised the political class to be civil and decent.
Chijioke, who promised the commitment of the electoral commission towards ensuring credible elections, enjoined politicians to refrain from statements that had the capacity to incite violence.
“We urge you to maintain a principle mandate of seeking to establish a reasonable level of civility and decency in public discussion and debate associated with election and campaign.”
“The thrust of all demands as documented is for the political leaders to commit to run issue-based campaigns and refrain from statements that have the capacity to incite any form of violence.
“On our part as INEC, as we prepare for the 2023 general election, we are committed to ensuring that insider abuses in the commission are not tolerated. And that action capable of causing electoral violence is not within our purview.
“We ask God to be with us as we prepare for the 2023 general election.”